Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Jeep Patriot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was on the freeway going about 75mph when all of a sudden it lost acceleration I couldn't get it to go more to 35 or 40 mph in and gear. Pulled to the side and let it sit for like 15 mins and it started up normal drove fine for a little bit. Then I went the back way home and didn't go over 50mph and it was fine got home and parked. Next morning went to leave and like 5 miles down the road only doing like 40 mind you. It completely goes out no acceleration just revs. Towed it home now it still starts and goes into gear but won't move just acts like its still in park.
My sister was driving my vehicle. She felt car wheels pulling to one side. Vehicle began to veer out of control where she tried to stablize. Picture taken after accident shows that bottom frame of vehicle became unattached from vehicle. The vehicle did not hit another vehicle or anything else solid. The vehicle was in motion on two way street where the vehicle was keeping straight with no turns.
First time 09/2013 I was driving on the highway at 75 MPH from colorado towards arizona when from one second to the other vehicle force drop speed to 30 MPH and a temperature light came on on dash, putting my family at danger since I had to swerve as fast as I could to the shoulder because semi was going as fast as me. When I came to a complete stop there was no power and a whining noise coming from under hood. I turned vehicle off and back on and light came off and power was restored but as soon as the tachometer reach 3000 RPM temp light back on and loss of power came back. I turn off vehicle once again and returned to colorado springs straight to dealership and was diagnosed with transmission internal failure 3 years after I purchase brand new at 73,687 miles on odometer. Power train warranty cover the CVT replacement and found out that 100's of patriots have the same issue. …
Vehicle in motion - cut off/loss of power when accelerating from ramp onto busy highway with my 2 year old in vehicle [cause unknown, vehicle is not throwing any codes] vehicle in going from stationary to in motion - when going to make a left turn out of a shopping center car staled with me and my 2 year old in it, with on coming traffic. Quickly put car in park, car would not start, had a long start, electrical system freaked out, I could not stop it by turning off the key, key wouldnt move. [unknown cause] vehicle in motion - bucking and staling after filling up with gas [cause unknown, could be vapor/liquid separator valve] vehicle stationary - when fueling, after removing nozzle sound of air being sucked into the gas tank [vapor/liquid separator valve at top of fuel tank] vehicle stationary/running - at idle car randomly drops rpms and tries to stall [unknown cause] vehicle in …
While driving on the highway for approximately an hour, going from 65-75 MPH, and occasionally using the cruise control, the transmission overheat light turned on. I slowed to about 60 MPH and exited at the next off ramp, which was slightly uphill. While in motion, the vehicle lost power. I used the remaining momentum to pull over to the shoulder and turned off the vehicle. I read the manual, which states to let the transmission cool down and then continue driving. I did as it said and continued to my destination without the warning light returning, but the car felt sluggish and the automatic transmission was shifting roughly. I was not towing or carrying anything in the car. The car has about 58,000 miles, is serviced regularly, and has not had any problems before this.
Second complain about transmission failure. Vehicle needs new transmission again after 3 years from being replaced. As I was driving on I-70 from my hospital job in the morning rush commute, my Patriot decided to drop speed from 70 MPH to 30 MPH on a blink of an eye. This time since I was alone just putting me in danger unlike the last time in 2013 when it happen that my 11 year old and 1 year old baby were on board. I swerve to the shoulder yet again to avoid being hit by traficc I proceed as I recall to turn ignition off and try to maintain tacometer from reaching 3000 RPM to avoid transmission safe mode to kick in again as I make it home.
While driving at highway speeds the transmission began to make a loud whirring sound. Suddenly the transmission overheat light turned on and I lost power. First dropping from 75 to 40 miles per hour and ultimately to 0 miles per hour. This left me in the middle of nowhere for 30-40 minutes while I waited for the CVT to cool down. This has happened 2 additional times. Each time the dealership has pulled fluid and stated that they could find no problem. The warranty is about to expire, and it appears after researching online, that this is a common problem with the CVT on both the Patriot and compass.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Jeep Patriot. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Jeep Patriot. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle started to shake violently. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact to call NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Takata recall my car is been having this problems almos 7 years the first one was the start engine, second one was the air bag light, thirt one the air conditions, sometime when I'm driving it just turn off, while I am driving it starts to whistle or during the night it just sounds very long lime someone is just passing it. When I went to the dealer they didn't do anything about it and want me to pay just for inspection no to solve the problem
Transmission complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Jeep Patriot, 13% of the model year's 188 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Jeep Patriot transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2010 Jeep Patriot, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Jeep Patriot transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.